This Texas High School Just Crowned Its First Lesbian Homecoming Queen

April Swartz-Larson never expected to be homecoming queen. But last month, the 17-year-old made school history by being the first lesbian student to be awarded the title.

She was first in contention after her friend, fellow senior Emilee Swim, tweeted about it. Word spread quickly around school after that, and friends even put up posters. And once halftime rolled around at McKinney High School's homecoming game, she accepted the crown while rocking a dark suit and purple shirt.

April's dad, Darrin Larson, said he knew his daughter was well-liked, but was still happily surprised by the win. "Her whole kind of being doesn't say, 'homecoming queen,'" he told the Dallas Morning News. "She's not one of the popular kids, but kids seem to really like her."

Though April says she lost a few friends when she came out, she says she's never really been bullied for being gay. "People are overwhelmingly nice here," she told D Magazine, but added that the topic of homosexuality can sometimes be a taboo in her town. "What this did was make people have to talk about it, even though it might make them uncomfortable."

A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Seventeen participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.